Comments on: Where to Find Free Activities and Events in Your Areahttp://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2009/08/07/where-to-find-free-activities-and-events-in-your-area/
Common sense advice on money saving tips, how to get out of debt, high interest savings accounts, cd rates, money market accounts, mortgage rates, money management and more.Tue, 31 Mar 2015 19:39:16 +0000hourly1http://wordpress.org/?v=3.0.1By: Shreejana Hickmanhttp://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2009/08/07/where-to-find-free-activities-and-events-in-your-area/comment-page-2/#comment-191156
Shreejana HickmanWed, 12 Aug 2009 02:47:54 +0000http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/?p=5315#comment-191156For spending as little as 50 cents a pound, you can have tons of fun with your kids picking blue berries.
Most of the summer free events are over in Georgia, but it still may be running through August in some other states. You can search the following:
Kids Bowl for Free
Amc movie summer camp
Regal free movie summer camp
Target free days at the Childrens Museum are always fun and can get a bit crowded during summer.
Movies on the green /outdoor movies @ your local parks
Georgia Aquarium has a special offer from time to time called Mommy and Me: $20 for a parent and 3 kids with parking.
In Atlanta you can get Baseball tickets for as little as $6, not too bad! Our 2.5 yr old loves baseball, so we're there all the time!
Check your city for upcoming free fall activities, fall festivals , pumpkin decorating, and more.For spending as little as 50 cents a pound, you can have tons of fun with your kids picking blue berries.
Most of the summer free events are over in Georgia, but it still may be running through August in some other states. You can search the following:
Kids Bowl for Free
Amc movie summer camp
Regal free movie summer camp
Target free days at the Childrens Museum are always fun and can get a bit crowded during summer.
Movies on the green /outdoor movies @ your local parks
Georgia Aquarium has a special offer from time to time called Mommy and Me: $20 for a parent and 3 kids with parking.
In Atlanta you can get Baseball tickets for as little as $6, not too bad! Our 2.5 yr old loves baseball, so we’re there all the time!
Check your city for upcoming free fall activities, fall festivals , pumpkin decorating, and more.

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]]>By: Gailhttp://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2009/08/07/where-to-find-free-activities-and-events-in-your-area/comment-page-2/#comment-191122
GailTue, 11 Aug 2009 19:42:57 +0000http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/?p=5315#comment-191122If you are in Chicago, Argonne's free (and very rare) open house is coming up August 29 and is a fun activity for kids.
http://www.anl.gov/Community_and_Environment/Open_House.html
I also like the free musicians at the farmers markets in Oak Park and Chicago. The Green City Market (Lincoln Park) has chef demonstrations.
In October, there's Chicagoween in Daley Plaza, as well as numerous free activities and concerts downtown. Check the City of Chicago Special Events for dates.If you are in Chicago, Argonne’s free (and very rare) open house is coming up August 29 and is a fun activity for kids.

I also like the free musicians at the farmers markets in Oak Park and Chicago. The Green City Market (Lincoln Park) has chef demonstrations.

In October, there’s Chicagoween in Daley Plaza, as well as numerous free activities and concerts downtown. Check the City of Chicago Special Events for dates.

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]]>By: steve weaverhttp://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2009/08/07/where-to-find-free-activities-and-events-in-your-area/comment-page-2/#comment-190610
steve weaverSun, 09 Aug 2009 06:10:25 +0000http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/?p=5315#comment-190610Not sure about other cities, but in Atlanta one day a week is free at the High Museum of Art and at the Botanical Gardens.Not sure about other cities, but in Atlanta one day a week is free at the High Museum of Art and at the Botanical Gardens.

]]>By: Andreahttp://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2009/08/07/where-to-find-free-activities-and-events-in-your-area/comment-page-2/#comment-190542
AndreaSat, 08 Aug 2009 19:25:18 +0000http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/?p=5315#comment-190542I like the idea for Lynn's column, but I found none of her ideas to be unique. I would like to see something like this that looks outside the box.I like the idea for Lynn’s column, but I found none of her ideas to be unique. I would like to see something like this that looks outside the box.

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]]>By: Lynnhttp://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2009/08/07/where-to-find-free-activities-and-events-in-your-area/comment-page-2/#comment-190478
LynnSat, 08 Aug 2009 12:16:57 +0000http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/?p=5315#comment-190478@ Leah #57 - Your idea lead me to check some local nature conservancies and some have sponsored free events in the past! I have even more bookmarks now :) Thanks!@ Leah #57 – Your idea lead me to check some local nature conservancies and some have sponsored free events in the past! I have even more bookmarks now Thanks!

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]]>By: Beckyhttp://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2009/08/07/where-to-find-free-activities-and-events-in-your-area/comment-page-2/#comment-190477
BeckySat, 08 Aug 2009 12:16:49 +0000http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/?p=5315#comment-190477Thanks for the gold mine of information.Thanks for the gold mine of information.

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]]>By: Sandyhttp://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2009/08/07/where-to-find-free-activities-and-events-in-your-area/comment-page-2/#comment-190470
SandySat, 08 Aug 2009 09:35:19 +0000http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/?p=5315#comment-190470Great post! I think this one is my favorite together with April Dykmans post! And I don't even have children!! It's great advise for couples without kids too or even for singles!
Thanks Lynn, you got me thinking about finding free activities online (I live in Europe so much of the info doesn't actually apply to me but I can work with the advise so that I can bend it to work for me!!).Great post! I think this one is my favorite together with April Dykmans post! And I don’t even have children!! It’s great advise for couples without kids too or even for singles!

Thanks Lynn, you got me thinking about finding free activities online (I live in Europe so much of the info doesn’t actually apply to me but I can work with the advise so that I can bend it to work for me!!).

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]]>By: Leahhttp://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2009/08/07/where-to-find-free-activities-and-events-in-your-area/comment-page-2/#comment-190451
LeahSat, 08 Aug 2009 04:23:28 +0000http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/?p=5315#comment-190451In addition to local parks, look for a local nature center. Many of them are non-profit and offer free or really low cost programs. My nature center offers at least one or two free guided hikes a month (wish we could do more!) and some other cool programs, and we're really underutilized by the community.In addition to local parks, look for a local nature center. Many of them are non-profit and offer free or really low cost programs. My nature center offers at least one or two free guided hikes a month (wish we could do more!) and some other cool programs, and we’re really underutilized by the community.

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]]>By: Alison Wileyhttp://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2009/08/07/where-to-find-free-activities-and-events-in-your-area/comment-page-2/#comment-190450
Alison WileySat, 08 Aug 2009 04:16:22 +0000http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/?p=5315#comment-190450Lynn, I love your resourcefulness and can-do attitude. Good list. There IS definitely lots of fun to be had without spending money. Here is my most recent list http://www.diamondcutlife.org/free-ways-to-enjoy-ourselves/Lynn, I love your resourcefulness and can-do attitude. Good list. There IS definitely lots of fun to be had without spending money. Here is my most recent list http://www.diamondcutlife.org/free-ways-to-enjoy-ourselves/

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]]>By: Sandy E.http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2009/08/07/where-to-find-free-activities-and-events-in-your-area/comment-page-2/#comment-190447
Sandy E.Sat, 08 Aug 2009 04:02:20 +0000http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/?p=5315#comment-190447There's a website called free-attractions.com
It's an excellent source where you can search the USA for free attractions and things to do!There’s a website called free-attractions.com

It’s an excellent source where you can search the USA for free attractions and things to do!

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]]>By: Beahttp://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2009/08/07/where-to-find-free-activities-and-events-in-your-area/comment-page-2/#comment-190444
BeaSat, 08 Aug 2009 03:37:40 +0000http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/?p=5315#comment-190444I live in Portland and subscribe to a wonderful blog called Around the Sun. Amy Reyes posts a weekly listing of free events in the area: concerts, movies, festivals, plays, readings, workshops, clothing swaps or a free ice cream cone. It's a great way to find out what's going on in the community, it's a bonus that the events she lists are free.I live in Portland and subscribe to a wonderful blog called Around the Sun. Amy Reyes posts a weekly listing of free events in the area: concerts, movies, festivals, plays, readings, workshops, clothing swaps or a free ice cream cone. It’s a great way to find out what’s going on in the community, it’s a bonus that the events she lists are free.

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]]>By: Jonhttp://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2009/08/07/where-to-find-free-activities-and-events-in-your-area/comment-page-2/#comment-190443
JonSat, 08 Aug 2009 03:27:51 +0000http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/?p=5315#comment-190443I run a hyper-local blog for the Tricites in Vancouver, Canada called thev3h.com where we post all sorts of free events.
The best part about finding cool events and things to do in the local area are all the neat people you meet. Too often we don't get a real sense of community in places where there are a lot of commuters. By getting out and enjoying free events in your area, you not only save money, but become more connected to the people who live around you. And who doesn't like healthier communities?I run a hyper-local blog for the Tricites in Vancouver, Canada called thev3h.com where we post all sorts of free events.

The best part about finding cool events and things to do in the local area are all the neat people you meet. Too often we don’t get a real sense of community in places where there are a lot of commuters. By getting out and enjoying free events in your area, you not only save money, but become more connected to the people who live around you. And who doesn’t like healthier communities?

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]]>By: Elizabethhttp://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2009/08/07/where-to-find-free-activities-and-events-in-your-area/comment-page-2/#comment-190438
ElizabethSat, 08 Aug 2009 02:56:25 +0000http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/?p=5315#comment-190438This was an ok article - it lacked a personal touch about the events I felt. So far I have enjoyed Karawynn's article the most, rest could have been covered in a get to meet the candidates article. I know they have money problems otherwise they probably wouldn't be interested in trying to write.This was an ok article – it lacked a personal touch about the events I felt. So far I have enjoyed Karawynn’s article the most, rest could have been covered in a get to meet the candidates article. I know they have money problems otherwise they probably wouldn’t be interested in trying to write.

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]]>By: Joehttp://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2009/08/07/where-to-find-free-activities-and-events-in-your-area/comment-page-2/#comment-190429
JoeSat, 08 Aug 2009 01:26:21 +0000http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/?p=5315#comment-190429I got better insight from the comments than I did from the post. I still prefer the first two writers to this one.I got better insight from the comments than I did from the post. I still prefer the first two writers to this one.

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]]>By: seawallrunnerhttp://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2009/08/07/where-to-find-free-activities-and-events-in-your-area/comment-page-1/#comment-190424
seawallrunnerSat, 08 Aug 2009 01:12:27 +0000http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/?p=5315#comment-190424Vancouver free events (and not expensive events) from a family's perspective (a mom, a dad, a son and a daughter) with comments from the family. Immensely popular, lots of activities and spot-on for the commentary.
http://www.findfamilyfun.com/Vancouver free events (and not expensive events) from a family’s perspective (a mom, a dad, a son and a daughter) with comments from the family. Immensely popular, lots of activities and spot-on for the commentary.

]]>By: Sarahhttp://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2009/08/07/where-to-find-free-activities-and-events-in-your-area/comment-page-1/#comment-190423
SarahSat, 08 Aug 2009 01:06:07 +0000http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/?p=5315#comment-190423My website is for exactly this, free entry for everybody. It is new and currently undergoing development but will eventually be worldwide. Contributors welcome.My website is for exactly this, free entry for everybody. It is new and currently undergoing development but will eventually be worldwide. Contributors welcome.

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]]>By: Jules @ Lovely Las Vegashttp://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2009/08/07/where-to-find-free-activities-and-events-in-your-area/comment-page-1/#comment-190420
Jules @ Lovely Las VegasSat, 08 Aug 2009 00:40:34 +0000http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/?p=5315#comment-190420Great List! As for your mention of free activities at hospitals, it is very interesting because just last week I saw a session of tai chi occurring in a hospital lobby! Very cool.Great List! As for your mention of free activities at hospitals, it is very interesting because just last week I saw a session of tai chi occurring in a hospital lobby! Very cool.

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]]>By: Adrianhttp://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2009/08/07/where-to-find-free-activities-and-events-in-your-area/comment-page-1/#comment-190418
AdrianSat, 08 Aug 2009 00:28:55 +0000http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/?p=5315#comment-190418I think this article serves as a good reminder for the frugal-minded or the soon to be frugal-minded individuals lurking about on PF sites that fun can still be free, no matter what age you reach or where you reside. Unfortunately, I do feel that this article could have been written by many individuals (surprised JD hasn't covered this) and was very broad and general in all respects -- it would of been nice to hear about the author's experience and specific examples in her quest to enjoy life (especially with her kids) and how she goes about finding that right balance of enjoying life while living frugally. From the amount and quality of the comments mentioned, it won't be a winner but it is still a friendly frugal reminder. :)I think this article serves as a good reminder for the frugal-minded or the soon to be frugal-minded individuals lurking about on PF sites that fun can still be free, no matter what age you reach or where you reside. Unfortunately, I do feel that this article could have been written by many individuals (surprised JD hasn’t covered this) and was very broad and general in all respects — it would of been nice to hear about the author’s experience and specific examples in her quest to enjoy life (especially with her kids) and how she goes about finding that right balance of enjoying life while living frugally. From the amount and quality of the comments mentioned, it won’t be a winner but it is still a friendly frugal reminder.

]]>By: Stefanhttp://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2009/08/07/where-to-find-free-activities-and-events-in-your-area/comment-page-1/#comment-190404
StefanFri, 07 Aug 2009 22:05:50 +0000http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/?p=5315#comment-190404Rather boring post, especially for all the people who are not brain dead.Rather boring post, especially for all the people who are not brain dead.

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]]>By: Swankyhttp://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2009/08/07/where-to-find-free-activities-and-events-in-your-area/comment-page-1/#comment-190403
SwankyFri, 07 Aug 2009 22:03:37 +0000http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/?p=5315#comment-190403A friend and I just started up a website (www.swankyants.com) to help with this very thing. We were frustrated that it's not easy to find events that are happening nearby where we live. There are all kinds of events posted and many are free. The site has mainly events in the Pacific Northwest but there is nothing to stop anyone for using the site anywhere in the world. BTW, it's free!A friend and I just started up a website (www.swankyants.com) to help with this very thing. We were frustrated that it’s not easy to find events that are happening nearby where we live. There are all kinds of events posted and many are free. The site has mainly events in the Pacific Northwest but there is nothing to stop anyone for using the site anywhere in the world. BTW, it’s free!

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]]>By: Bearhttp://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2009/08/07/where-to-find-free-activities-and-events-in-your-area/comment-page-1/#comment-190394
BearFri, 07 Aug 2009 19:35:52 +0000http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/?p=5315#comment-190394Nice concise article with apparently practical info. Unfortunately it has little application for me (kids grown and gone) but I can understand its appeal. This type of article would be nice for a guest post but I would prefer other potential staff writers style for day to day articles.Nice concise article with apparently practical info. Unfortunately it has little application for me (kids grown and gone) but I can understand its appeal. This type of article would be nice for a guest post but I would prefer other potential staff writers style for day to day articles.

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]]>By: Erinhttp://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2009/08/07/where-to-find-free-activities-and-events-in-your-area/comment-page-1/#comment-190387
ErinFri, 07 Aug 2009 18:37:48 +0000http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/?p=5315#comment-190387I really liked this post. My husband and I are always looking for fun activities to do that don't require much money.I really liked this post. My husband and I are always looking for fun activities to do that don’t require much money.

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]]>By: Kevin@OutOfYourRuthttp://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2009/08/07/where-to-find-free-activities-and-events-in-your-area/comment-page-1/#comment-190386
Kevin@OutOfYourRutFri, 07 Aug 2009 18:32:36 +0000http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/?p=5315#comment-190386I have to agree with Tyler (24) on his suggestion that much of the free stuff isn't terribly fun. If you have small children a lot of those venues can work, but if you're doing it for yourself or to entertain teenage kids it's a very different story.
It's probably best to find lower cost activities, or at least less expensive ways to do the things you normally like to do.
We've found that going to the movies but buying our snacks at a store saves a bundle. The candy you pay $4-5 a box for in the theater is only a $1 at Walgreens. Also, going out for dessert is usually a lot cheaper than going out for a full dinner.
There are a lot of ways to do this, but it takes some thinking outside the box.I have to agree with Tyler (24) on his suggestion that much of the free stuff isn’t terribly fun. If you have small children a lot of those venues can work, but if you’re doing it for yourself or to entertain teenage kids it’s a very different story.

It’s probably best to find lower cost activities, or at least less expensive ways to do the things you normally like to do.

We’ve found that going to the movies but buying our snacks at a store saves a bundle. The candy you pay $4-5 a box for in the theater is only a $1 at Walgreens. Also, going out for dessert is usually a lot cheaper than going out for a full dinner.

There are a lot of ways to do this, but it takes some thinking outside the box.

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]]>By: Kevin Mhttp://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2009/08/07/where-to-find-free-activities-and-events-in-your-area/comment-page-1/#comment-190381
Kevin MFri, 07 Aug 2009 18:11:44 +0000http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/?p=5315#comment-190381Can't believe no one has mentioned just taking a walk or going for a run...nothing cheaper than that.
Also, I agree with Tyler it would have helped to give a personal story about one event she and her family have actually attended, maybe kind of an impromptu review of sorts? Also would have helped show a bit of her personality, instead of just a brief intro, dropping the list on us and that's it.Can’t believe no one has mentioned just taking a walk or going for a run…nothing cheaper than that.

Also, I agree with Tyler it would have helped to give a personal story about one event she and her family have actually attended, maybe kind of an impromptu review of sorts? Also would have helped show a bit of her personality, instead of just a brief intro, dropping the list on us and that’s it.

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]]>By: Lynnhttp://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2009/08/07/where-to-find-free-activities-and-events-in-your-area/comment-page-1/#comment-190379
LynnFri, 07 Aug 2009 18:10:49 +0000http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/?p=5315#comment-190379Thank you for the compliments on my post. It was tough figuring out what I wanted to write about for the audition and in the end I chose this topic and the upcoming one. I'm glad it gave some of you ideas. I also love the ideas others have given! I know what I will be doing tonight (checking out the sites mentioned).
@Caitlin #22 - I can understand what you are saying about the "CFO" part. I added that in there to help convey who I am in only a few words. If chosen to be a writer a GRS I would definitely write a meatier bio.
@Tyler #24 - Our local hospitals have sponsored free movie nights and free giveaways (bike helmets, bikes, etc.). I guess it depends on what you like to do for fun. We do not attend the ones that do not look interesting to us. We did come across one dud - we left and went to the nearby beach instead. The hard part about writing this article is that sources vary greatly depending on your location so I kept it generic to give ideas on where to look.
@ arg #27 - I appreciate your comment. There is always room for improvement and I will take to heart what you said if I have the opportunity to write more posts for GRS.
@ R Hookup #35 - That is awesome that you keep a calendar to share with everyone! I'm amazed at how full it is.
Thank you everyone for the comments and suggestions so far!Thank you for the compliments on my post. It was tough figuring out what I wanted to write about for the audition and in the end I chose this topic and the upcoming one. I’m glad it gave some of you ideas. I also love the ideas others have given! I know what I will be doing tonight (checking out the sites mentioned).

@Caitlin #22 – I can understand what you are saying about the “CFO” part. I added that in there to help convey who I am in only a few words. If chosen to be a writer a GRS I would definitely write a meatier bio.

@Tyler #24 – Our local hospitals have sponsored free movie nights and free giveaways (bike helmets, bikes, etc.). I guess it depends on what you like to do for fun. We do not attend the ones that do not look interesting to us. We did come across one dud – we left and went to the nearby beach instead. The hard part about writing this article is that sources vary greatly depending on your location so I kept it generic to give ideas on where to look.

@ arg #27 – I appreciate your comment. There is always room for improvement and I will take to heart what you said if I have the opportunity to write more posts for GRS.

@ R Hookup #35 – That is awesome that you keep a calendar to share with everyone! I’m amazed at how full it is.

Thank you everyone for the comments and suggestions so far!

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]]>By: Patreniahttp://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2009/08/07/where-to-find-free-activities-and-events-in-your-area/comment-page-1/#comment-190377
PatreniaFri, 07 Aug 2009 17:58:24 +0000http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/?p=5315#comment-190377Thanks for the reminder!!! Now that my kids are back in school. I'll have more time to make plans for weekly fun "free" activities.Thanks for the reminder!!! Now that my kids are back in school. I’ll have more time to make plans for weekly fun “free” activities.

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]]>By: Timhttp://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2009/08/07/where-to-find-free-activities-and-events-in-your-area/comment-page-1/#comment-190375
TimFri, 07 Aug 2009 17:51:25 +0000http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/?p=5315#comment-190375Nice article Lynn...good info without all the jibber jabber in the other articles thus far.Nice article Lynn…good info without all the jibber jabber in the other articles thus far.

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]]>By: Ehttp://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2009/08/07/where-to-find-free-activities-and-events-in-your-area/comment-page-1/#comment-190374
EFri, 07 Aug 2009 17:51:13 +0000http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/?p=5315#comment-190374I think to find out which free events are lame and which are cool you just have to try a few out. Also the event type might give you a clue. Generally, library events sound really boring to me, but every once in a while we get something or someone - like JD - really cool. We once went to two street fairs in one day; one was awesome, the other just kind of meh. You just have to be a little adventurous and try things out. If something turns out to be lame, you can have fun talking about its lameness - and then do something different next week.
Definitely a useful post, and also short and to the point. Kudos! :)I think to find out which free events are lame and which are cool you just have to try a few out. Also the event type might give you a clue. Generally, library events sound really boring to me, but every once in a while we get something or someone – like JD – really cool. We once went to two street fairs in one day; one was awesome, the other just kind of meh. You just have to be a little adventurous and try things out. If something turns out to be lame, you can have fun talking about its lameness – and then do something different next week.
Definitely a useful post, and also short and to the point. Kudos!